Vitamins For Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis refers to a chronic disease associated with joints and the muscles surrounding them. There is great level of pain and inflammation in the joint areas which are affected by this chronic disease. The flexibility of the joints is lost, and there is persistent pain in the affected areas of the body.

There are millions of people who are affected by this chronic problem every year, with women being the major sufferers. This disease is more common among women between 30-60 age group. A woman suffering from rheumatoid arthritis might have to take medicines and drugs throughout the life, so as to keep the pain and inflammation under control, and keep the joints working appropriately.

Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are often recommended to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In extremely severe cases, steroid drugs may also be prescribed. There is no doubt that these drugs help in reducing the swelling and pain in joints; however they are very costly.

Also, they might pose side effects like bone loss, upset stomach, and decreased resistance to infections. Therefore, it is advised to include certain vital vitamins in the diet for helping women with regard to treating rheumatoid arthritis safely.

Vitamins For Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

A few vitamins which are believed to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are discussed below:

Vitamin C

There are several studies which suggest that women with rheumatoid arthritis should make it a point to include vitamin C enriched foods in the diet to fight against free radicals which assemble in the rheumatic joints. The inflammation in the joints would be reduced with the aid of intake of vitamin C enriched foods.

Being a very good antioxidant, vitamin C may help in preventing inflammation also. A few vitamin C enriched foods include strawberries, lemons, cantaloupe, peppers, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, and broccoli. It is advised to consume vitamin C in natural form, instead of ingesting it in supplement form.

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Vitamin D

Older women affected with rheumatoid arthritis are at a greater benefit, if they include vitamin D foods in their diet program. Vitamin D not only helps in treating rheumatoid arthritis, but also helps in preventing its occurrence. Therefore, all the women should include vitamin D as one of the vital vitamins in their dietary regimen. Having vitamin D in natural form through sunlight is a good way o treat the problem.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps to treat rheumatoid arthritis effectively. The inflammation in the joints would be reduced effectively with the aid of regular intake of vitamin E enriched foods. Massaging vitamin E oil on the affected joint areas is also a very good way to reduce the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Beta-Carotene

Beta carotene works similarly like vitamins C and E, and helps in reducing swelling and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Apart from the above discussed vitamins, which help in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a few minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium, might also assist in reducing inflammation in joints, and neutralizing damaging free radicals.